Brave and beautiful — the two words that come to mind when I think of Meg Biram. I would use those exact two adjectives to describe her bright, colorful perspective murals popping up all over the walls of hip D.C.-area establishments, the latest and greatest being a collaboration with Old Town Boutique District and ALX Community. (Click here to see the process and amazing result.)
Yes, Meg, aka Meggie Pooh (everyone in my classes has a nickname and Meg is an avid HAWT Pilatist, one of my most dedicated, in fact), is a sought-after community artist, but did you know that she is also a talented journalist? And an ingenious one at that: Meg pioneered blogging before it was even a “thing” with MegBiram.com. As a Gen-Xer, I’m still not sure what a blog is, but at least I know that what Meg has accomplished by her mid 30s is a big deal.
Above all, what I’d really like to say about Meg is that she is a loyal friend. Over this past year, Meg and I have been there for each other. It usually takes me a long time to open up to people, but I felt connected to her. She makes you feel that way; she creates the space and invites you to share with her. The result? Thriving. Meg makes you feel like you can do anything. She believes in you and she would literally sacrifice herself to support you. Now, how brave and beautiful is that?
I am honored to introduce Meg Biram for Street Style.
How do you spend your time? Working on murals, paintings, and other work-related things like email and meetings. Nights and weekends I spend with my husband either biking, hanging out on our patio, going out to dinner, or walking our dog. I love to do things outdoors like hike, play tennis, or dine al fresco. I also try to go to all of the art museums this area has to offer. I read a lot and love to spend time with friends or watching documentaries.
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 2 years
What is your hometown? Kansas City, Missouri
What brought you to Alexandria? We lived in D.C. for six years prior to Alexandria. Wanted to buy something not in the city but with easy D.C. access, and somewhere with a strong community.
What would surprise people about you? I hate taking photos and doing my hair and makeup. On most days my hair is in a bun and I have little to no makeup on.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? To slow down time
Favorite cocktail: Greyhound
Last book read or movie seen: Just finished the books Normal People by Sally Rooney and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Guilty Pleasure: Wine, pizza, and ice cream.
Phrase you overuse: Um
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: Dead To Me on Netflix
Bucket list travel destination: Everywhere I haven’t been
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine
Define your style in three words or less: Edgy, global, edited.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: All Saints Black Leather Papin Moto Jacket
Favorite trend ever: Sneakers for almost all occasions, so comfy.
Favorite current trend: I’m not really a trend person, but I love sculptural items like a sculptural bag or heel. Things that have a modern artsy edge.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Moisturizer. A few I like are Vintner’s Daughter, Sunday Riley CEO, One Love Organics Skin Savior, Ursa Major Recovery Cream.
Favorite fragrance: Mezcal Negra
Heels or flats? Flats mostly. Heels on occasion.
Favorite room in your home: Our patio!
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: We just replaced our dishwasher. I haven’t bought home décor in years.
Next planned purchase: Probably new lighting.
Favorite way to entertain: Casual get together on our patio. Music, beer, wine, food, and friends.
Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-free with a few well-edited bookshelves.
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Love, but murals are fun too! 😉
Your go-to work-out: Megan Brown’s classes at Mind the Mat
Most fun way to exercise: Tennis or biking with my husband or friends
Group exercise or solo: Either
Fitness goal: Feel good, be healthy.
Proudest fitness achievement: Ran the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in D.C.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Besides my house and my art studio — I love walking and biking the Mount Vernon Trail and any outdoor patio. Taverna Cretekou’s patio is so beautiful.
Last purchase in Alexandria: Something from either from The Hive or Old Town Books.
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Misha’s or Swings / People’s Drug or Lost Dog / Taverna Cretekou or Hank’s Pasta Bar.
Favorite charity: Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Port City Fest in Old Town
Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga was founded in 2008 by Megan Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Polestar Certified Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation and Sara VanderGoot, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher (e-RYT 200, RYT 500). In their private practices as physical therapist and massage therapist respectively Megan and Sara observed that many of their clients were coming in with similar needs: relief for neck and shoulder tension and low back pain as well as a desire for more flexibility in hips and legs, stability in joints, and core strength.
Together Megan and Sara carefully crafted a curriculum of Pilates and yoga classes to address needs for clients who are pregnant, postpartum, have injuries or limitations, who are new to Pilates and yoga, and for those who are advanced students and are looking for an extra challenge.
2214 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.683.2228